RICS Level 2 Survey in Chillington

A RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey includes a thorough visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property. Our surveyor checks the walls, roof, foundations, damp course, floors, windows, doors, and services (electricity, gas, water, and drainage). The report provides a clear condition rating for each element, identifies defects, and includes advice on repairs and maintenance. It's designed for conventional properties built after 1900, though it works well for older homes in Chillington too. The survey also includes a market valuation, which mortgage lenders often require alongside the property condition assessment.

RICS Level 2 Survey prices in Chillington typically range from £400 to £800, depending on the property size, age, and type. A small flat or terraced house will be at the lower end of this range, while larger detached properties with complex roofing or outbuildings will cost more. The average property price of £424,400 in Chillington means the survey cost represents a small fraction of your investment and could save you significantly by identifying issues before completion. Properties with unusual construction or those in poor condition may require more detailed assessment, which can affect the final price.

Even new build properties can have defects, and a RICS Level 2 Survey provides valuable peace of construction. While you won't face the same issues as older properties (such as subsidence or rotten timber), new builds can have problems with sealing, insulation, finishes, and fittings. Our survey will identify any snagging issues the developer should address before you move in. In the Chillington area, where newer developments are limited, most surveys are on older properties, but we still recommend a survey for any new purchase to ensure you're fully informed about the property's condition.

Absolutely. If our survey identifies significant defects, you can use the report to renegotiate the purchase price or request that the seller carries out repairs before completion. In the current Chillington market, where properties have increased by 1% over the past year, having a detailed survey gives you leverage to ensure you're not overpaying for a property with hidden problems. Common negotiation points in this area include damp treatment, roof repairs, electrical rewiring, and structural movement concerns. Our detailed reports give you the evidence needed to support your negotiation.

If we identify serious defects such as structural movement, significant damp, or roof damage, we'll flag these clearly in red in your report. You should then seek specialist advice from a structural engineer or other expert. Depending on the severity, you may want to renegotiate the price, request repairs, or in extreme cases, withdraw from the purchase. Your mortgage lender may also require verification that any issues are resolved before releasing funds. We can recommend reputable structural engineers and other specialists if needed, familiar with properties in the South Hams area.

The on-site inspection typically takes between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the property size and complexity. A small flat in Chillington might take an hour, while a large detached property with multiple outbuildings could take 3 hours or more. You'll receive your written report within 5 working days of the inspection. We aim to deliver reports as quickly as possible, and can often accommodate expedited requests where needed for time-sensitive purchases.

Chillington is located in the South Hams and experiences surface water flooding risk during periods of heavy rainfall. Properties near watercourses or in low-lying areas may be more susceptible to flooding. Our surveyors inspect the property for signs of previous flood damage and assess the effectiveness of any flood mitigation measures. We can advise on whether buildings insurance might be affected and recommend steps to reduce flood risk. While major river flooding is less common in the village itself, surface water runoff from the surrounding hills can affect properties in certain locations.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were commonly used in buildings constructed before 2000. If our survey identifies potential ACMs, such as old pipe insulation, floor tiles, or roof felt, we'll flag this in your report. Asbestos is not necessarily a major concern if properly managed, but it does require specialist assessment and potentially removal by licensed contractors before any renovation work. We can recommend asbestos survey specialists if you require more detailed investigation before proceeding with the purchase.